Cars, Drugs and More [ SUPERMAN ]

[Lois Lane]

Some stories were made by going out and hunting for them; being in the right place at the right time. Other times your story was giving to you on a silver platter, what you did with it was up to you. Lois Lane had learned quickly when someone came to her with a story or some news of something going on, if she didn’t jump on it someone else would. Today had been such a lucky day for Lois Lane, though she didn’t know how lucky it would turn out to be.

Lois Lane had arrived at the Daily Planet about her normal time, brief case in one hand with a cup of coffee in the other. Today she wore a simple ensemble, a light tan skirt that went to her knees with a suit jacket of the same color. Her blouse was white and tucked into her skirt which finished off with a black belt; her heals where thinker heals but also a tan color. Lois didn’t believe in wearing stilettos; because it wasn’t as easy to run or move in them as it was in normal heals. Her raven hair was worn down today and her face had simple makeup on it as well, all in all Lois looked professional but not uncomfortable.

Lois sat down her brief case on the floor and her coffee on the desk; which sat across the way from her investigated reporter partner Clark Kent; or as she liked to call him Smallville. He was a new reporter that Perry had hired a few weeks back, and much to Lois’ dismayed he had pared the two of them up. Lois hadn’t wanted a partner, she was a one women reporter and that’s how she wanted it to stay, but no one told Perry no. Even more to her dismay the two of them tended to work out pretty well together, though Clark was opinionated he tended to let Lois have her way more often than not which made things easier

Once she had set her items down, Lois started to take off her suit jacket so she could place it on the back of her chair. It was then she discovered a large yellow envelope setting in the middle of the desk. Looking around she didn’t notice anyone that might have put it there, finally her curiosity peeked and she opened the envelop slowly. Inside was information about a car show that was the front for a major drug smuggling operations. Everything that Lois Lane needed to get a start on this story was right on her desk, information and photos; even a time and place. The only thing that was needed now was to convince Perry about the story and hunt down the information herself.

Looking over the information once again, making sure she had everything that she needed in order to pleaded her case, than gathered everything up and marched right into Perry’s office. It wasn’t uncommon thing for Lois to do, and though Perry acted like it drove him crazy in all reality he enjoyed it; for Lois was like the daughter he never had. Lois walked in and tossed the envelop on Perry’s desk, he was talking on the phone at the moment; and just looked at her as he went on with his conversation. Lois just stood there for a moment looking at Perry, waiting as he went on with his conversations. After he hung up she jumped on the silent in the office; that wouldn’t last very long.

“I want this story Chief.”

Perry and Lois just looked at each other for a moment before he picked up the envelop and started to look threw the contents. He looked threw it carefully and to Lois what appeared to be slowly, which drove Lois crazy.


“You are sure about this information.” Perry asked not looking up but at the pictures and information inside. “Where did this come from?”

“I’m not sure, I don’t’ know where it came from it was on my desk. But come on Chief what do you have to lose if I go down there today and try to uncover some information. If it turns out not to be true I’ll still give you a heartfelt fluffy story, if it does this could be the story the century.” Again Perry looked threw the information and again Lois had to wait, though she had already made up her mind about doing this story weather or not Perry gave his permission or not. Perry knew that as well, Lois was a loose cannon at times that one really couldn’t control but he liked to make it seem like he had control over his top reporter once and a while.

After a moment Perry put the items back down on the desk and looked up at Lois, who just smiled because she knew she had one.

“Fine but take Kent with you.” The smile faded from Lois’ lips, she didn’t want to share the byline of the story with Clark, he was a good guy and all but this hot of a story didn’t make Lois a very sharing type of person. Lois leaned forward and placed her hands on the desk to look Perry right in the face.

“Come on Chief let me do this on my own.” Lois pleaded, knowing she was pushing the line a little bit since she had already won the right to write the story. Perry looked at her for a moment.

“Clark get in here now!” Perry yelled leaning slightly to the side of Lois so that his voice carried out the open door. Lois glared at Perry, standing up straight now and crossing her arms.

[Superman]

It was about 6:52 a.m. and Clark Kent was amusing himself with the world wide web, searching through various articles where the Man of Steel appeared. The morning lull was clearly present and it didn’t help that he had come in to early. Not a fault of his own, in his rush to return home from saving the world he overestimated the time. He immediately showered in his quaint apartment in Metropolis and zoomed to the Daily Planet, entering through the roof, a usual mode and appearing in the elevator bank just in time to see Perry walk out from the bathroom, angrily buttoning his pants.

“Problems with the wife?”

Clark asked with a rather sweet smile as he stepped out of the elevator, coffee in hand and the morning paper in the other. Perry merely looked at him, scoffed and stormed off to his office. Clark watched after him, hearing his rapid heart beat, his increased internal temperatures and as he stormed off he could catch the slight curses he muttered under his breath. Definitely martial problems.

That was about 15 minutes ago, and by this time Clark had gone through about every article across the globe that concerned Superman.

“Man of Steel Prevents Flood from Devastating Village.”

“Superman Saves City from Potential Nuclear Disaster.”

“The Invincible Man Saves the Day Again!”

“Superman Saved Me From Myself!”

“Superman - Super Generous or Super Selfish?”

The articles flooded his computer screen and it reminded himself of the amount of times he had saved the lives of millions or just one individual the day before. He wasn’t necessarily relishing in his own fame or anything of that sort - it’s just looking at all the lives he saved reminded him of how precious life on this planet was. And how even though there was evil, there was still enough good to seep through the darkness. Clark found great appreciation in every individual and he prided himself in giving everyone the equal chance at life.

The last headline raised his brow and he was prepared to read the article’s entirety when suddenly a familiar fragrance wafted under his nose. Clark’s eyes and ears perked up immediately and he pushed himself out of his desk space ever so slightly so that he might get a better look down the aisle.

There she was, the woman that meant more to Clark than anything ever did. He had traveled across the universe and back and not even once did he find an equivalent to the marvelous Lois Lane. She was dressed simply today, his telescopic vision could see the fine powder of make up on her skin, not too much to take away her natural beauty, but just enough to accent her best features. He preferred to see her without the powder and lipstick, well not that Clark ever did, but Superman could agree to that. He appreciated her choice of colors today, as it reflected on her professional, but casual style.

All of these observations were made in a matter of seconds, and as Lois nodded and waved to Jillian, the receptionist he quickly rolled back into his desk and began to shift through his papers, trying to look busy. He inhaled, taking in the perfume she wore. It wasn’t overpowering, in fact it was subtle and only in intimacy would you ever smell it. It was a fragrance that never left Clark after the first time he chanced upon it and it was one that gave him the fond reminder of Lois.


She was several feet away now, and Clark sipped on his mug of coffee taking in the sweet aroma and taste while he read over a sheet of paper. When Lois finally came to her desk that sat direction adjacent to his own, he peered over his sheet and mug and feigned complete ignorance to her earlier arrival.

“Oh morning Lois.” Clark said with a smile, “Almost didn’t see you there, how are you?”

She was setting her things down and return Clark’s pleasantries with her own and a smile. As turned in his seat he watched as the muscles on her face suddenly changed from calm and headstrong to confused, almost perplexing. He stopped mid-turn and began to flip through his rolodex absentmindedly as from the corner of his eye he watched Lois. She slowly reached down to a manila envelope on her desk. It was unmarked and with his x-ray vision he could see several sheets of papers along with photos as its contents. Her eyes wavered over it for a several seconds and then finally she opened the envelope to review its contents. As she did so, Clark moved a little closer and as he did, he bumped into his desk causing hers to shake. She looked up at him, quirked her brow and continued reading on. Feigning another busy shifting through his paperwork, Clark read on with Lois, utilizing his x-ray vision to read what she was. He was a bit slow to catch on as everything was backwards, but thankfully Lois performed several rereads that allowed him to catch onto the information.

Suddenly without warning and because Clark was so engrossed by the information, Lois stood up causing him to jump back a little. She ignored him, a look of determination on her face as she marched past his desk and went straight for Perry’s office. He hunched over his computer, his massive structure appearing rather silly as he listened in to their conversation. Even behind closed doors their voices were clearly audible to him and as they spoke he could visualize the expressions on their faces.

As they spoke he reviewed the information in his head. Someone had practically given Lois the rights to uncover the biggest drug bust in history ever. And all at a rather prestigious place too! Car shows were quite common, but this car show catered to the wealthy, showcasing only vintage and top of the line models that were realistically way out of reach to anyone who weren’t on Bruce Wayne’s level. If this was real, then not only would this be a massive headline for Lois, but it would also scandalize the upper class, the wealthy people would be scrutinized for ever housing such an event. Even worse, if this information was false then Lois could lose a whole lot of credibility and would probably be forced out of the publishing industry.

Clark bit his lip a sign that his thoughts were troubled.


“Clark get in here now!”

He turned suddenly from his seat and looked down the hall to Perry’s open office. A placid look was on Clark’s face and he watched as Perry hastily beckoned him. Quickly rising, he felt his seat fly out from his force and he played a sheepish look on his face as to make it look like he were clumsy. Clark walked down the aisle, smoothing his raven black hair. Forgetting his size and the door’s width, his bulky mass barged through rather clumsily and he went with it, watching as Lois rolled her eyes. She totally thought he was a klutz. Clark practically fell into a seat upon entering Perry’s office and smiled weakly as he shifted his glasses.

“You wanted to see me Perry?” he said as he fixated his glasses appropriately.

“No Clark, I was calling the other Clar- Of course I wanted to see you!” Perry started with heavy sarcasm, “Miss Lane here just picked up a potential scoop on a drug operation happening tonight at the Galvyn Car Show. You’re familiar with that right?” A nod from Clark opted him to go on, “Good, ‘cause I would like you and Miss Lane to cover this story TOGETHER.” A glance was placed on Lois and Clark sent his award winning smile her way. It was not received kindly. “I’m gonna get you two press passes. Now make sure you don’t do anything stupid, I don’t want you two to be the ruin of this paper.” Perry said as he picked his phone, “Now both of you, out of my office!”

Immediately, the two rose and Clark pushed in his seat and allowed Lois to exit first. She haughtily picked up her papers and brushed past Clark. He rushed after her, his own strides catching up quiet easily to her small brisk steps.

“Gee Lois, you really think there’s a drug operation at such a prestigious car show?” Silence and her glare back told him of course she thought that, “Well, I’m glad to be on the field with you. When was our last report together? The opening of that new public park, I remember.” They were nearing their desk now and Lois did not say a word to him yet, “So... should I pick you up at seven and we can go to the show together?” More silence and he watched as she lowered into her seat and immediately faced her computer, “Okay, I’ll see you at the show then.” He said with a small smile as he walked towards his own desk and promptly sat down to continue pursue his rather mundane life as a news reporter.

The Metropolis Convention Center
7:55 p.m.

Before the work day had ended, Perry handed Lois and Clark their press badges for the car show and bid them good luck. It was now 7:55 p.m. and dressed his a rather sharp suit and matching loafers, Clark Kent stood inside the Metropolis Convention Center eyeing a shiny Rolls Royce. It was to be the new 2013 vehicle and was said to be a limited edition car. Only 15 are being made, someone told him as he eagerly took down notes and corresponding pictures.

There were many prestigious individuals in the room. Millionaires from not only Metropolis but across the nation and around the world had come to this lavish event. Wine and finger foods were being passed out nonchalantly by waiters who were quick on refills and service. Clark appreciated such good hospitality and mused about how great life must be for Bruce Wayne. Everything handed to him on a silver platter, so unlike his dark alter persona. His amusement subsided fairly soon though as he remembered that he was here on business, on multiple levels of course. As he passed by each vehicle and studied them, he utilized his x-ray vision to study each car and see if maybe the contraband was hidden within the vehicles. Unfortunately nothing was coming up. Even through purposeful interviews he initiated where he tried to read muscles and monitor heart beats or breathing to determine if anyone was guarded or nervous - were not giving him the information he thought he was here for.

On top of that, he hadn’t found Lois and he had called her three times and left her text messages. He hoped she hadn’t gotten herself into trouble. That was the last thing that he wanted. Breathing in and out slowly, he studied all the faces in the room trying to look for obvious perpetrators or potential ones. These people were al socialites however and he couldn’t pick up anything from them. Even with all his super powers he couldn’t get the scoop that Lois was looking for.

Walking through the crowd he wafted here and there looking for the ace reporter and finally he spotted her form behind. Her dark hair and generous form fitted into a lovely evening gown.

“Lois!” He called out as he walked forward, waving his hand and his blue eyes twinkling behind glasses, “I was looking all over for you, when did you get in?”

Pleasantries, always pleasantries between them. But it was no matter, the real reporting would start soon.

[Lois Lane]

Lois was such a one track mind lately that she hadn’t noticed that Clark was already at his desk. The two of them where not the great of friends, though she did trust Clark. She did feel jealous from time to time when Clark had been able to swoop in and get the scoop before her; and he never told her how he did it. To say she cared for him, like he cared for her, she would have to say no. Oh she cared about him but only as a friend not anything romantic; there was only one man she felt that way about.

“Oh morning Lois.” Clark said with a smile, “Almost didn’t see you there, how are you?”

“Oh morning Clark.”

Lois answered with a smile and returned to what she was doing, getting herself ready for the day. She was so focused in on the information on her desk that the whole world seems to just dissolve away. Lois didn’t notice anyone around her, nor the fact that Clark was reading the same thing she was; not that she would be able to. After reading over the information a few times, deciding it was important to go after Lois shot up from her desk and right into Perry’s office.

There had been so many rounds in Perry’s office that people in the reporting pool had started to make bets on who would win which round and how long the little meeting would last. There was also a side bet about the vain in Perry’s head, if it would be pulsing like crazy after Lois left the office or not. They found it funny that Perry’s doctor had told him to cut down on his stress and learn to relax but yet every morning, or almost every morning, was the same. Lois would come into the office and one way or another the two of them would be arguing it out about the day’s stories. Sometimes this was done in private and other times it was done in the group meetings that was held every morning.

Today wasn’t any different, though Perry had agree to the story but that she couldn’t do it alone. Lois didn’t want to share the byline on this story, for if it was true and if she could crack it this story would be the talk of the town for months to come. Being a little selfish she wanted all the glory for herself, but Perry had remind her they where all a team here and she wasn’t going to throw herself in such a dangerous story with out someone having her back. Therefore she was voted down and Clark was brought in.


“You wanted to see me Perry?” Clark said as he fixated his glasses appropriately.

“No Clark, I was calling the other Clar- Of course I wanted to see you!” Perry started with heavy sarcasm, “Miss Lane here just picked up a potential scoop on a drug operation happening tonight at the Galvyn Car Show. You’re familiar with that right?” A nod from Clark opted him to go on, “Good, ‘cause I would like you and Miss Lane to cover this story TOGETHER.” A glance was placed on Lois and Clark sent his award winning smile her way. It was not received kindly. “I’m gonna get you two press passes. Now make sure you don’t do anything stupid, I don’t want you two to be the ruin of this paper.” Perry said as he picked his phone, “Now both of you, out of my office!”

Lois glared at Clark and then at Perry for a moment, before she rose from the chair she had sat down in and left the office in a huff. She wasn’t happy about this outcome and she was going to make sure Clark and Perry knew about it.



“Gee Lois, you really think there’s a drug operation at such a prestigious car show?” Silence and her glare back told him of course she thought that, “Well, I’m glad to be on the field with you. When was our last report together? The opening of that new public park, I remember.” They were nearing their desk now and Lois did not say a word to him yet, “So... should I pick you up at seven and we can go to the show together?” More silence and he watched as she lowered into her seat and immediately faced her computer, “Okay, I’ll see you at the show then.” He said with a small smile as he walked towards his own desk and promptly sat down to continue pursue his rather mundane life as a news reporter.

Lois didn’t answer any of Clark’s questions, she wasn’t in the mood to talk to him. He could have told Perry he wasn’t interested or something but instead he just agreed to help Lois on this story. That was fine if he wanted to help her than he would just have to find out what she knew and what she finds out on his own. Once she reached her desk, Lois turned her back toward Clark and set to work not agreeing on meeting him there or not.

The Metropolis Convention Center

After getting her press badges for the night, Lois left the Daily Planet without another word to her boss or her partner. After all she had a lot to do before going to the party tonight, part of it was she had to get ready. She had already decided what she wanted to wear and how she was going to do her hair. Shopping in her closet she pulled out a red dress. Once on it was floor length and clanged to the curves of her body. The cut was a sweet heart shape and there was a slit up the side to help with movement in the dress. Around her neck she wore the pearls her mother had left her, and a small charm bracelet on her left hand. Her black hair was swept up into an elegant French twist.

Wanting to make a pretty good impression, Lois had even rented a town car to drive her there an pick her up later that night. After all it was important to make a good impression when you where trying to find out people’s dirty little secrets. Not to mention men where more than willing to spill their guts to a woman who was dresses up after all what threat could she really be. Some people under estimated a pretty face in a tight dress.

Lois had arrived only a few minutes after Clark had arrived, though she didn’t see him right away. There was a lot of cars, expensive looking ones but they didn’t really interest Lois. She wasn’t a car gal, they where good to get around in but she didn’t know how people could spend so much money fixing up a car and never driving it. It was really to each their own, and she guessed one way to show the world you had a lot of money.

Lois Lane really spent no time in looking at the cars but started right into talking to the different people in the room. When Clark finally found her Lois had already talked to a few people, some giving her a chance to ask a few questions but most of them only gave vague answers. No one was really willing to give the answers she wanted, nor did she find anything very interesting. Though she had found by just a glaze a door that lead somewhere in the back, Lois was heading that way when she heard a voice she knew all too well.

“Lois!” He called out as he walked forward, waving his hand and his blue eyes twinkling behind glasses, “I was looking all over for you, when did you get in?”


Lois gave him a smile, and took a drink from a waiter passing by. “I got here about eight, you.” Already Lois was trying to figure out a way she could find herself in the back room.

[Superman]

Lois seemed distracted. It was the first thing he noticed as the muscles on her face did not jointly move as she smiled. Her eyes averted quickly after her hello and she picked off a champagne glass from a nearby waiter. Clark did the same and followed her subtle gaze to the doorway that led to possibly a backroom. It was positioned behind a large show curtain making it easy with the right timing to move behind it and to the door way. His eyes trailed around the room, trying to assess the perfect mode of entry.

He sipped his champagne, watching as Lois’ hawk like eyes stared around the room.

“About five minutes ago.” Clark said, rubbing the back of his head with a small smile on his face. “In fact, I talked to a few people, and everyone seems to be enjoying the car show.” He added the little emphasis to imply that he had not found anything out of the ordinary.

A waiter passed by with some crab cakes and Clark gladly to a few pieces. You couldn’t beat the freebies at events like this. It was always top of the line, top quality, top notch stuff. He had to appreciate the wealthy even if he did come from a rather middle-class, rural life, had no qualms about his upbringing. He was only glad that he was able to experience such lavish life styles every now and then. He didn’t have interest in making it a permanent job of course, being wealthy came off as exhausting and Clark reminded himself to perhaps ask Bruce how he dealt with it all.

As he thought of all this, his eyes focused on the wall that the lone door was placed on. Lois still had her gaze averted and using his x-ray vision Clark peeled away the layers of sheet rock, metal support, wood and plaster to gaze at what was beyond the entrance. His eyes narrowed as he could see tightly packed packages, stacked high and on top of one another. To the side, there were wooden crates of weapons, all shapes and sizes no doubt to be sold on the black market or auctioned off to these rich patrons at a later part of the show.

He coughed, averted his gaze and looking around to see if he could prepare the distraction. He and Lois had to get through the door, that’s where Lois’ big story was and that’s where Clark was ready to start doing some serious work. It had been awhile since drug and weapons smuggling had occurred in Metropolis, the man of steel saw that such a thing didn’t pull through. But when the wealthy took handled these kind of things, there was a lot more scrutiny and a lot more protection. This of course made it hard for Superman to track down any criminals – who would ever frame the rich after all?

Just as he was about to put a light fixture, the room began to grow dim and the exciting roar of trumpets and drums filled the room. On the otherwise of the room, a curtain was opening to display a stage. Auctions were beginning, Clark assumed as a pair of men rolled out a rather expensive looking car. Its designed looked Italian, but Clark was not sure. There was no time to contemplate about cars, Clark realized this was their moment to try to enter the room as everyone’s attention seemed to be focused on the new display.

Lois didn’t know that Clark was on the same page as her, nor did she know that he was sort of two steps ahead of her in this game. So, he had to improvise to get both of them into that room together. Fidgeting slightly, he placed his glass down and made a big deal about it.

“That champagne went right through me.” He said with a feign laugh. Lois only responded with pursed lips. “If you will excuse me Lois.” He said, gentlemanly like as always and he brushed past her. It took her awhile to realize that direction he was going in and before she could retort or tell him that was not the bathroom, Clark’s long strides took him across the room and behind the door.

Lois was quick to follow, only a few steps behind him and as Clark closed the door, and reached out for a light, he said with surprise, “Huh… I guess this wasn’t the bathroom.”

He turned to prepare to leave, once again an act, but Lois told him to hold on a minute and the nosey reporter immediately began her snooping. Clark, held onto the door handle, and as Lois looked around, Clark found the lock on the door and silently clicked it shut. That would at least give them enough time to hide if it was discovered that other people had entered the room.

Following Lois’ lead, Clark began to shift around ignoring the fine furniture and looking instead at the large crates. Lois was over one, attempting to open it with a crow bar but to now avail.

“Here, let me try.”

Clark said his hand reaching out for the crowbar. Lois handed it over, and he heaved and grunted, putting on a great show of how hard it was to open the crate. Finally after about three grunts, he popped the wooden lid off and the two looked at the crate’s contents.

Guns, lots and lots of guns. Lois hit Clark on the bicep, reminding him to take pictures. He clumsily juggled the camera in his hand and nodded. “Right, right, sorry Lois, it’s just… how did you know all this was here?” he said rather nervously as he shook his hands while taking the pictures. Lois hissed at him to stop shaking his hands or he’ll ruin the pictures. Clark nodded again, stiffening his hands and allowing the clicks of the camera to fill the room. As Lois walked over to the other end of the room and began prodding the packets of narcotics, Clark continued to take pictures.

Suddenly, something caused his ears to perk and he immediately stopped taking pictures. It was barely inaudible, so there was no way Lois had heard it. He strained his ear again, waiting for the sound – there it was a very low, very faint muffle. Turning to Lois, whose back was to his, he dropped the camera, allowing the sling around his neck to catch its fall. Clark began to walk deeper into the background and down a corridor, it didn’t take long for Lois to ask where he was and follow after him.

“I heard something Lois… something down there.”

He pointed to the second door on his left. Too precise, but it didn’t matter right now. Clark had to drop his act momentarily. He had just heard a human cry. Walking quickly toward the door, Clark grabbed the handled and tried to open it.

“Locked, Lois it’s locked.” He said looking around nervously, “Can you go over there and grab the emergency fire axe?” He asked, and as she nodded and went off he grabbed the door handle and with great ease turned the door knob, breaking the lock and pushed the door open. As he did, a horrid odor attacked his super senses and he stepped back slightly coughing as it seeped into his nose. Lois was coming back now, surprised he had gotten the door open.

Shaking his head, the odor slightly disorientating, Clark held onto the doorframe and peered into the room, in the little light they had, he saw them. Girls, young woman, aging from probably 12 and at oldest twenty. All of them huddled together, looking as if they had not been showered for days and with apparent scars and wounds on them from physical manhandling.

“Lois… Lois there are girls in here.” Clark said nervously, returning to his act as he slowly stepped into the room holding his hands p as a sign of peace. It didn’t take a genius to figure out what these girls were doing here. He and Lois had just uncovered something bigger than the drugs and the guns – this was a lot bigger. Metropolis was involved in slave trade – in human trafficking.

Just as he was going to communicate with the girls the sound of footsteps caused him to turn around and down the hallway, voice called out. “Anybody there? Who’s down there?”

Clark looked to Lois, seeing if the ace reporter had a resolve for this situation.

[Lois Lane]

Lois couldn’t help but kept looking over at the door that she knew would lead her to the back room and some answers to her story. She tried to pass it off that she was paying attention to what Clark was saying, but in truth she just missed everything he had said. It wasn’t like she was trying to be rude, it was just she was focused in. Lois Lane tended to be a one track mind at times, and that was when there was something or someone in the way.

It wasn’t just Clark’s talking that she didn’t pay attention too, but the fact that he had just stuffed his mouth with crab cakes. The waiter had even waited a moment to see if Lois wanted any, but soon moved on when she didn’t notice him. Lois wasn’t here for the free food, or to act like the rich and famous, she was here to expose a story.

Lois had excepted the fact that Clark was here and was going to help her, and now that she looked around the place she knew she would need it. The problem was she wanted to be the first one threw the door in the back, to see if it was really worth what she was hopping. She just needed to get Clark to go somewhere else first, maybe if they split up they would find out what they were looking for; though she was sure what they wanted was behind that door. Lois started to look around to see if she could find another way, another door to send Clark through or she could just ask him to get her a drink; though taking a look at her glass it was still full so that wouldn’t work.

The moment to move was no however as the light dimmed and the music came on. Everyone around them was pushing to get to the stage, leaving most of the floor open and everyone’s eyes away from where she wanted to go.

“That champagne went right through me.” “If you will excuse me Lois.”
Lois came out of her little day dream fog when Clark excused himself to use the bathroom. It became very clear though that he wasn’t’ heading that way, he was heading to the very door that Lois was trying to figure how to get to. Her mouth dropped a little before she realized that he had the same idea and she was a little ticked that he hadn’t shared it with her. Though she couldn’t be too angry since she hadn’t shared the same idea with him.

Lois quickly followed and though he stared ahead of her, she soon caught up and was just steps behind Clark as they walked threw the door. “Oh don’t play that game with me Kent.” Lois said trying to sound a little ticked off but in fact she wasn’t; in fact she almost wanted to laugh. It was clear the two of them had been working way to long together if they where starting to think the same way.

Lois walked passed him, knowing he was just acting like he had gotten the wrong room. She wasn’t interested in the little game and just shook her head. Inside there where crates upon crates, full of what she didn’t know but she was sure going to find out. Finding a crow bar Lois started to try to start opening the crate, which was proving a little harder than she thought it would be.


“Here, let me try.”

Lois handed the crow bar and watched as Clark tried to open it a few times before cracking the lid open and off. There were a ton of guns in the crate and as Clark opened more crates, they found more guns. Tapping Clark on the arm she motion for him to take pictures, for now wasn’t the time to really talk since they didn’t want to give themselves away. As Clark was taking pictures, Lois went around looking inside other crates, cars, and anything else. She was startled from her search when Clark mentions that he heard something.

Lois’ eyes followed Clark as he move toward a door that she hadn’t noticed before. Again she was amazed that he was able to hear something that she hadn’t heard. There had been no sound that she had heard, but Lois didn’t question Clark as she watched him moved toward the door and try to open it. He claimed that it was locked but after a moment he got it open, Lois quickly moved to join him but stopped quickly when the odor came out of the room causing her to want to gag.

“Lois… Lois there are girls in here.”

Lois moved to the other side of Clark and looked down into the room, there was a bunch of young women down there Lois couldn’t help but gasp. It was clear they had uncovered something a lot bigger than Lois had first thought, and it was very clear that these women where scared. Knowing these women would be scared of Clark, for he was a man and they had been abused by men, she motion for him to stay at the top of the stars as she moved down them.


“Everything is going to be ok, we’re here to help.” Lois said clammily as she walked down the stairs, the women were scared she could see that. Before she could reach the bottom of the stairs however another voice joined them, turning quickly she looked back at Clark, a panic look in her eyes. It was too late for her to get out of the room now, she would have to take her chance hiding in with the women.

“You find a place up there Clark, I’ll be alright down here.” That was what Lois hopped anyway. After all it wasn’t wise from both of them to hide in the same place. Turning away Lois finished walking down the stairs and ducked under the stairway to hide.

[Superman]

Clark wanted to object, he wanted to tell Lois, “no it’s alright, I can get us all out of here”. Of course, he couldn’t because the Clark Kent that Lois knew had no such abilities. The Clark Kent that Lois was familiar with was a bubbly news reporter who didn’t have that take charge attitude required to get them out of this situation. He had to resign, nodding in acknowledgement to Lois’ suggestion and could only watch as she disappeared underneath the staircase. The girls in the room began to chatter, in a foreign language – Clark guessed perhaps Ukrainian.

With Lois hidden in otherwise plain sight, he back pedaled from the doorway and looked down the hallway. Footsteps were fast approaching, he could distinguish two men perhaps averaging about 210 pounds each. These car show hosts were packing some very heavy security, well on top of Metropolis’ Finest out in the banquet hall. He looked back down the staircase to ensure Lois wasn’t looking or anyone for the matter, and in a blink of an eye ran down the hallway in an opposite direction while pulling off his black tie and suit and exposing the sigil of El beneath his civilian clothing.

A flash of red and the rather expensive Italian evening suit was removed from his body and in place he donned the deep blue uniform – a gift from his parents and of Krypton. He tossed his civilian clothing aside, not really worrying about whether or not it was found out. Right now the only thing that mattered was exposing this entire show case and getting Lois and those girls back to safety. Pressing his index and middle finger on both hands against his shoulders, he activated a small device on his suit that immediately released the flowing red cape signature to his attire. Hovering in the air, looked for an open window, but when finding none opted instead for the wall. He inspected the flat surface, looking for space between the stilts and when he found one he burst forward, cleanly bursting through the wood, plaster, and concrete and was now out in the open.

The sound was sure to alert the two guards that were suspicious of human activity in the back. They would get that alright.

Circling the building, Clark utilized his thermal vision, locating the specific room that the girls and Lois were hidden. He breathed, taking in the night air and then slowly descended, his eyes watching as the two guards ran to the site where the wall was broken through. He refocused; landing front of what would be the staircase that would lead down to the room of girls. Staring at the wall, Clark balled his fist and then sent it flying forward, forcing plaster and metal to flying through the wall and onto the ground. He heard a few muffled screams as the falling debris surprised the girls.

Gripping the sides of the hole he had made, Clark cleanly ripped of chunks of the wall tossing aside the debris nonchalantly as she made a hole big enough for his body to fit through. He flew through, the moonlight exposing his body and the symbolic S on his chest. Even if these girls spoke a different language they knew that help was on the way.

“I’m here to get you ladies out of here.”

He said, his commanding presence enough to translate exactly what he was saying. Suddenly the door burst open and Clark looked up to see the two guards with their weapons raised. Of course his spectacle would have alerted them. He frowned slightly and before he could move they opened fire.

Bullets aimed straight for his chest but only rebounded and shot off in different directions. The small whizzes as they bounced off his eyes and cheek mildly irritated Clark as he slowly flew forward, hearing the screams of the girls as the bullets shot in different directions urged him to move faster. Bursting forward with uncanny speeds, Clark grabbed onto the first firearm and crunched the metal in his grip, the man looked up, fear in his eyes as he slowly released his grip on the fire arm and stepped back. The second man, followed suit dropping his weapon and holding his hands up as they backpedaled, trying to stay out of trouble with the man of steel.

“Go.”

Clark said rather simply and the men ran off down the corridor, Clark guested about five minutes before a cavalry arrived.

Returning back down to the women, he slowly began to pile them up the stairs and urged them to move forward. Just as he was about to send the last girl off, he spotted the raven hair ace reporter, moving out from her hiding spot.

“Lois? What are you doing here?”

He feigned surprise and worry, surely she would fall for it.

[Lois Lane]

Lois Lane could tell that Clark wasn’t too happy with the idea of her hiding among the traffic women. Truth was she wasn’t too keen on the idea herself, but at the moment she couldn’t think of a better place; and with any luck she could just disappear among the women and later slip out before she got into too much trouble. So with an uneasy smile, Lois quickly flew down the stairs and didn’t look back, she didn’t want to give it away how unsure she was about her current plan or her current idea of a good hiding place.

Lois heard feet moving away and soon a door closed, she knew it was Clark hiding away. The only problem now was the women, who where stirred up like chickens in a hen house, everything that Lois tried she couldn’t seem to get them to calm down so not to give her away. It wasn’t long after that that she heard more footsteps, it was clear they were coming her way, Lois tried to tuck herself more into a dark corner though with the chatter that the girls where causing she was pretty sure it wouldn’t be long before she would be spotted.

As the footsteps got closer Lois started to quickly look for another place to hide, for the girls just wouldn’t calm down and be quiet. She could tell the men were getting closer, and her heart was about to bust out of her chest. This had to be the worse idea that Lois had ever had, as her mind started to race with the different possibilities of what could and might happen to her. It was thing that the world crash in around her, Lois let out a squeal as piece of the ceiling come crashing down. As the dust cleared, Lois realized what it was the caused the crash, no one else but Superman.

For a brief moment that feeling of awe and that feeling of your mind just going blank, something that didn’t happen to Lois often. It took her only a moment to shake her head and clear it, so that she would be able to focused. There was something about the man of steel that changed Lois into a what people would call a love sick puppy; though she wouldn’t admit to it. What was even more interesting was the fact that he always seemed to know when she was in trouble.

Lois fully snapped out of herself when in his booming voice Superman declared for the ladies to get out. The women didn’t need to be told twice as they quickly ran up the stairs, though at that moment the stairs was blocked as the men who claimed to own the women burst through the door with their guns drawn. Once again Superman was quick, as he block their way and took the bullets to the chest; saving them all.



He said, his commanding presence enough to translate exactly what he was saying. Suddenly the door burst open and Clark looked up to see the two guards with their weapons raised. Of course his spectacle would have alerted them. He frowned slightly and before he could move they opened fire.

It didn’t take the thugs long thought to notice that a mere bullet wasn’t stopping the man in blue, and when he told them to go it took a matter of seconds for the stairs to be cleared. It just took moments after that and the room was cleared of the girls, until it was only Lois left and Superman.


“Lois? What are you doing here?”

Lois gave a slight smile and a shrug, wondering why he would be surprised that she was here; for she was always where there was trouble because she was mostly causing it. “Well it started out as a weapons story but turned into something a lot more.” Now that Lois thought of it, this was the dumbest thing she had done this week.

[Superman]

It was - by this point in time - getting hard to feign surprise whenever he caught Lois in the thick of trouble. She was like some sort of magnet for these kinds of situations and Clark knew better than anyone that she put every effort to place herself into them. He could only shake his head in digression as she smiled innocently and a shrug of her shoulders told him that she really had no idea of what she was doing here. Bravery was one thing and Lois Lane was definitely chock full of it, but sometimes she did borderline on the edge of stupidity. Not that it was necessarily a bad thing, Clark had put himself in the wrong situations by taking a few wrong turns – and he knew that Lois just couldn’t help these kind of things. She was a reporter this was kind of her job.

A mode of action had to take place right now and Clark looked through the hole he had created in his grand entrance. Taking the girls out of here was one thing, but to keep this out of the media while a huge car show was going on was another. Then again, did that really matter? He grimaced slightly, weighing the decisions he had to make – was it worth defaming the man who was head of this entire operation? It would definitely be a story for Lois to write about, but was it really something to upheave so suddenly on one of Metropolis’ most prestigious? Shaking his head, Clark decided that it was better to let things take their own course. He was the man of steel, capable of doing most anything – but there were just some things that required him only to stand by the sidelines.

First priority was to relocate the girls and get them to safety. The best place would be the Metrpoolis local police department where Lois could help the girls find shelter and maybe find their way home. How he was going to get them there was determined in a matter of seconds when his eyes focused on what lay beyond the brick wall. Peeling through the layers of composite minerals, Superman trained his gaze on the parking lot that was mere footsteps from their location. His eyes were exclusively set on a van that lay about ten feet away whose keys were still in the ignition and whose moderately empty rear was just enough space to house the young woman.

His vision refocused and he turned to Lois her wide eyes looking up at him with just as much determination as his own held. The girls around her held a mixture of fear and hope as they looked up at the man of steel hoping upon hope that his resiliency would bring them out of his hell. Heaven knows they were near losing their own.

Shifting his position in the air, he suddenly turned into a blur as he moved through the space, easily avoiding the live bodies and creating a makeshift set of stairs with the barren crates that were strewn around the room. Hair flew and skirts uplifted ever so slightly as he made his passing and in a matter of milliseconds the method of ascension was created and he appeared in full form before the young women once again. Cape uplifted in the breeze, he hovered calmly over Lois his eyes meeting with hers.

“I’ll need you to take the girls out of here.” Kal-El began, motioning pointedly to the stair he had created that lead to the outside. The fresh evening breeze filtered through the massive gape in the wall and the girls seemed to breathe it in, looking as if they hadn’t tasted the fresh, sweet air in days. “There’s a white van – located about ten feet from here , northwest – it’s keys are still in the ignition. Take it and bring the girls to the nearest precinct.” Kal-El continued, his tone deliberately heavy and slightly rushed as instructed Lois. “I will help anyone who cannot make it on their own.” Kal-El said, turning from Lois and looking to the other girls who huddled against each other.

**BANG!**

The sound reached his ears long before it had even crashed against his back sending him reeling forward by mere decimeters. He turned, midair to see the door bang open and the shotgun fire upon him three men surrounding the first to fire. The girls screamed and began to scatter, but Kal-El was already zooming up the stairs acting as a human shield to prevent the projectiles from doing any more harm.

“Lois- the girls!”

Was all he said as his body turned into a blur and he zoomed up the stairs to handle the new and heavily armed back up.

[Lois Lane]

If it had been anyone else in front of her, Lois Lane would have been able to see right through the act of surprise that the man of steel was putting on for her. However this was Superman and when it came to him; though she didn't really know it; she was somewhat blind. He was also somewhat the reason she always found herself in trouble, for she wanted to catch a glimpse of him or be able to talk to him for just a moment. She didn't know or understand what it was about him that turned her very mind into jelly, it was a feeling she never felt before and one she didn't understand. The other reason was because getting herself into the trouble found her the best stories. After all one couldn't have a rose garden if you didn't want to get your hands dirty, and Lois was the gardener and she was after the best roses.

The only problem though was the fact that they never really had time to talk, she never had time to ask him questions and get to really know it. It seemed he was always there to save her life and boom off into the sky again, or if he wanted her to print something or wanted something from her he was there and gone again. Lois never mention how frustrating it was, not even to Clark though she had to wonder if he felt the way. After all superman and Clark where friends as well, though it seemed Clark knew more about Superman to the point that he could contact him. If Lois admitted it to anyone she would admit that she was jealous of that factor. Then there was the always the point of him being here, but not here. Like right now Lois was standing right in front of him, but it was clear he had his mind on something else. It looked as if he was looking at something that she couldn't see, which couldn't be hard to believe since he had x-ray vision. Though it did make Lois feel a big uncomfortable, for she felt as if she was being looked through and not at. Little did Lois know was that Superman was weighing the options of whether or not this should or should be a story, to Lois there was no doubt this was the story; and it was the story of the week that was for sure.

For a moment Lois stood there, watching as Superman was looking at something she couldn't see. After a while she wondered if she should shake him or something, wondering if he was zoned out, when he moved and focused on her; her eyes full of determination not only for the safety of the girls but for the treasure she had found tonight. No words were exchanged as all the sudden he was no longer in the air before her, but she could feel his quick movements around; her hair coming loose from it's up style making Lois grateful she wore a tighter dress for she didn't have to worry about her skirt flying up.

Within moments Superman was done with his work and was once again in front of Lois, their eyes locking onto each other. Listening to the instruction that he was giving her, Lois kept her eyes on him only removing them to look at the gape in the wall and the quick stairs he had made. Her eyes meet his once more. "What about Clark, we split up and I don't know where his is." Though she acted like she didn't like Clark, Lois was concern for him because he was after all her partner.


**BANG!**

It was moments before the sound reached Lois' ears, though Superman had already heard it, a very loud bang. Turning her head she could hear where the sounds came from and that blast that caused superman to fly forward. The door opened and men appeared, shooting into the air; causing the girls to scream and to scatter for a place to hide. Lois Lane's own heart seemed to catch itself in her throat as she watched them. Superman was quick to stop anyone getting hurt, shielding them all.

“Lois- the girls!”

It was a wake-up call, pulling Lois out of the shock she had fell into. She had a task to do and she had to do it now, get the girls out of this building. Her only hope was that Clark had found a place to hide and that he was ok, she would have to find him later. Moving quickly Lois found the girls and after a lot of hand jesters and shouting she was able to get them up the stairs and into the parking lot. After loading them all into the van, a few of them in tears but they were working on comforting each other. Lois jumped into the driver set, slamming the door shut. Taking the key she turned it and nothing happen, in a panic she tried it again but once again the van just wouldn't start. The battery of the van was dead, and they were not going anywhere. To make matters worse a door opened and two men with very large guns came into the parking lot, pointing the gun right at Lois and ordering her out of the van. Normally she would put up a fight, but it wasn't just her life on the line right now, but the girls in the van as well. So opening the van door Lois exit with her hands into the air, one man walked up closer and hit her right across the face, hard enough that it caused Lois to fall into the van and then down to the ground.

[Superman]

Crashes and bangs were not left unheard as Kal-El easily tossed bodies across the hallway and dismantled weapons with a simple flick of his wrist. His ear drums vibrated at the sound of the panic screams and rumble that lay beyond the door to where the car show was taking place. Gun shots and the grunts of the men with heavy artillery had echoed back into the main room. It was no doubt that Metropolis’ elite were under the impression that their livelihoods were being threatened. The sounds of shattering class and the bump and grind of the vehicles continued to filter through the walls and Superman’s lack of focus was just enough for a man to cleanly land the butt of his emptied rile into his nose.

Wrinkling the otherwise frail cartilage ever so slightly, Superman turned to the man, grapping the rifle from his grip and tossing it aside. There were no words that escaped his lips as he sent a fist – the amount of force controlled – into the man’s face. Enough to knock him out, perhaps break the bridge of his nose and keep him on the ground. Turning from the scene he surveyed the empty hallway, acknowledging that he had nullified the forces in a matter of seconds.

In the distance he could hear police sirens several miles away and coming from the city. No doubt someone had tipped off the police and about time as well. Of course, he knew that it wasn’t exactly in the best interest of the individual who was heading this event, but surely he had a contingency plan to hide all of this. Superman’s eyes opened quite suddenly as he realized that he had not the faintest idea as to who was at the head of this entire operation. They had enough drugs, unmarked weaponry and girls to put someone away for a long time – but they had no idea who this someone was.

Turning in the air, he prepared to do some further investigation when he stopped his heart racing as he came to some realization. Amidst all the sound that filtered into his ears he did not recall the sound of the van he assigned for Lois ever starting up. Had she even made it to the van? It wasn’t that far, it would make no sense otherwise. Looking down the set of stairs where the girls were originally housed within, he listened to the air whine through the gaping hole he created and waited. Still no sound, there was however the terrified screams of the girls and he knew at that instant something had gone terribly wrong.

A blur of blue and red was all that could be seen as he simply flew through the structure and exited into the parking lot. Plaster, sheet rock and debris trickled behind him as he made his grand exit and spotted the van. It was now conveniently surrounded by armed men, no doubt ready to take care of the little bee who was ruining their plans and to take back the girls.

The lone man who hovered over lose raised his firearm, preparing to fire at her at point blank range. As the bullet escaped from the barrel, a speedy blur appeared before the young ace reporter and Clark barely felt the projectile smash into his chest, compress into itself and clatter onto the floor. “Now that’s no way to treat a lady.” Kal-El chided, grabbing the firearm and back handing the man in one seamless movement.

He chanced a glance down at Lois who was lying on the ground, defeated and a cut on her cheek from the blow. Though he wanted to reach down and embrace her with the safety of his arms he resisted knowing that she was not his only responsibility right now. Clenching his fist he adorned a challenging stature as the gunmen sized him up, the looks in their eyes knowing that they had already been defeated. His ears perked at the sounds of the sirens their loud wailing close enough to hear without the aid of super sensory. He looked to the man who faltered and then scattered like roaches at the sign of light. Shaking his head, he followed after them, swiftly moving through the air and hounding after each of them. A simple flick or tap knocked them out and he piled their bodies into a need mound, special delivery for the officers who were soon arriving on the scene.

Turning back to Lois he prepared to set himself by her side, but suddenly the screeching tires in the distance caught his attention and he looked up, his eyes straining as they searched through the darkness and finally found the van. Concealed by the foliage around the convention center, the van sought to make an escape with three patrons and a load of goods stashed within its truck. Reorganizing his priorities he looked apologetically at Lois who was beginning to stir. He would have to trust her well being in the hands of metropolis’ police department.

The girls were peering out of the truck now, looking to their savior for directions or commands. He raised his hands, ushering them to stay in place, “Wait here… help will come.” He mouthed as the sirens descended upon them and he could see the glowing blue and red a few feet away. Nodding to the girls, he lifted off into the air once again, focusing his efforts on the escaping van and quickly following after it. A whirl of dust and the force of air was all that was left as he pursued the big gun of this entire show.